The bus stop was targeted on three occasions over several days, during a spate of vandalism in Ainsdale .The first incident is thought to have taken place on January 27, when a report was received of a man making attempts to damage the front of an ATM machine outside Station Road Post Office.

Damage was caused to the ATM but nothing taken. The man was described as around 20 years old, 5ft 8in, of slim build, and wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.

Photograph posted Ainsdale community site on Facebook, showing damage to the post office

Later the same evening, a report was received around 8.20pm of a group of five to six youths aged between 13-15 damaging a bus shelter opposite Liverpool Road Cemetery.

A glass panel in the bus was smashed before the group made off on foot, with one believed to have been riding a cycle.

Around 10.30pm on the same evening, a further report was received of damage being caused to the same bus shelter. The youth causing damage was described as white, 15-16 years old, wearing a

blue jacket, with a square face and ginger / fair hair. Further youths were observing this incident nearby, and were described as wearing dark clothing.

On Tuesday, 2 February, a further report was received around 8.45pm of a group of youths throwing bricks at the same bus shelter, causing one of the windows to smash.

The youths were described as 12-13 years old and dressed in dark clothing and bobble hats.

West Sefton Neighbourhood Inspector Jim Atherton said to Visiter.co.uk : "We are keeping an open mind whether these incidents are linked, but regardless, they all have a negative impact on Ainsdale community, as well as the obvious dangers to the public of flying brick, glass and debris.

"We take all reports of anti-social behaviour extremely seriously, and are determined to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. As always, vital to these investigations are reports from members of the local community, so I would urge anyone with information which may identify these offenders to contact us immediately. We act on all information provided, and will work closely with our local partners to tackle these issues using all our available powers."

Anyone with information is asked to call the 101 number, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.